Why a Capital Campaign?
Campaign Update
“Buy” an Acre Program

Why a Capital Campaign?

In January of 2005 we embarked on a “Making Tracks for the Future” Capital Campaign, to ensure a secure future for Animal Ark. The Campaign has two phases: Phase I with the primary purpose of raising funding necessary for the non-profit organization to purchase the 38 acres of land that the facility resides on and Phase II, purchasing an adjoining 12 acre parcel and securing a consistent source of water.

Phase I: Animal Ark currently leases the land that the facility is built upon. Because the non-profit corporation doesn’t own the land, we are often turned down for financial support from foundations and grants. This also leaves Animal Ark extremely vulnerable in the future and does not provide a secure environment upon which to expand the facility. Phase I of the campaign will focus on the purchase of this 38 acre parcel. As of December, 2007, we are ecstatic to announce that Phase I has successfully been completed!

Phase II: During this phase, Animal Ark will concentrate on raising funds to purchase an adjoining 12 acre parcel. We plan to use this parcel for future facility expansion, to provide critical open space around the facility, and potentially as an additional source of water.

Animal Ark has long struggled with having a consistent water source. Currently, there are two wells at Animal Ark. One is 900ft deep and is completely dry. The other well is 970ft deep and only produces 2 gallons/minute (for reference, normal wells produce in excess of 5 gallons per minute). Since one well is dry and one well only produces 20% of what we need, Animal Ark constantly struggles to provide enough water for the facility, despite implementing extensive conservation methods. In the past, we have even resorted to trucking water into the facility, a costly and energy-expensive solution. The ability for the facility to expand and meet anticipated growth requires us to seek a more consistent and abundant source of water. Plans for condemning the two existing wells and digging a new well are being developed, but this is an extremely costly undertaking. We need your help to achieve this!

With the successful completion of Phase II, Animal Ark will move on to expanding the facility and offering additional programs. We have many new, innovative ideas for the facility, including a new visitor center with indoor animal exhibits, meeting space, and educational facility. We plan to expand animal exhibits and offer more amenities to our visitors.

You can be a part of our dream and help us Make Tracks for the Future! Please consider a donation to our Capital Campaign, Making Tracks for the Future.

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Campaign Update

Animal Ark has successfully completed Phase I of the Capital Campaign:
With support from the local community we raised over $115,000.00 which was then matched by a local foundation. Soon we had the support of other foundations and individuals, enabling us to raise enough money to complete Phase I of the Capital Campaign.

Animal Ark has now raised $490,000.00 and has purchased the primary 38 acres of land.

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“Buy” an Acre Program

The Buy an Acre Program gives you a special and limited-time opportunity to be a part of this unique organization. Animal Ark’s 38 acres have been divided into 103 parcels for adoption. It may be the wildflower fields, sagebrush and canyons that appeal to you. It may be the smallest of animal enclosures or the large cheetah run field that tickles your fancy. You get to select the parcel that interests you the most. While Animal Ark retains legal title, a plot map of the entire facility will be located near the entrance to the facility, recognizing each of the individuals/organizations that have supported the Animal Ark through the Buy an Acre Program. An “Honor Garden” with engraved stones will also recognize your very important gift to Animal Ark. Most importantly, you will be helping Animal Ark expand.

Start Making Tracks for the Future! Help now!

For a catalog of available parcels and for additional information please contact:
Aaron Hiibel
Executive Director/Cofounder
1-775-970-3111
ahiibel@animalark.org

Elizabeth Schuler
Volunteer Marketing Chair
775-852-3427
eschuler@animalark.org

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